So I spent a little bit of time trying to find a holster for my 39-2 when I got it. I quickly found out that there are very few options made specifically for the Model 39.

I'm not the kind of guy that goes for the generic one size fits all holsters. I prefer something that holds my weapon good, is custom fit to my weapon, and most importantly is comfortable and durable.

I spent hours and hours scouring the internet, I went to local gun shops, I talked to gun buddies, I tried everything. I wasn't turning up with anything....then eBay out of all places gave me a solid lead.

I'm a mechanic by trade, so I enjoy putting things together, building things, etc...so this holster kit instantly intrigued me. I did hours of research on these holsters, and turned up nothing but excellent reviews...so I decided to go ahead and order one.

These holsters come with lots of different options. You can order different stage kits (requiring different amounts of assembly). I ordered a stage 3 kit for myself, just to avoid the trouble of having to mold the kydex myself and punch holes in the leather.

My understanding is these holsters are made to order, meaning its not made until its ordered. I'm not a very patient person, so it was difficult for me to do...but I bit the bullet and did it anyways. The turn around was pretty fast, a lot faster then I had expected. My holster showed up at my door 8 days after I ordered it.

Naturally, I had some questions about how long it would take to make, if tracking would be provided with my order, what kind of warranty the holster has, etc. I exchanged several messages on eBay with the seller and they were always very fast to respond....and very polite as well.

My holster arrived via USPS. Inside the package was nothing fancy, just a large zip lock bag with some papers and a few smaller zip lock bags with all the parts to make the holster.

The immediate thing I noticed was the leather. I ordered the black dyed leather. It seems to be sturdy high quality leather, and its dyed beautifully. The only downfall about the leather is that the sides (where it had been cut) are not dyed. I was already aware of this from reading the website, so I just took a sharpie marker and colored the sides black.

Next thing is the kydex. Its not flimsy cheap garbage. Its actually pretty thick, and seems like it will do its job holding a weapon.

Next on the list is the hardware. This is where things start to get interesting....and pretty creative too I might ad. The screws to hold the holster together are black...and seem to be pretty good quality. Included with the kit is an alan key to use with the screws....However I just used a hex socket on a 1/4 ratchet since it was easier. The belt clips are pretty tough as well. I sat there for a few minutes bending and prying the belt clips to see how they would hold up....Their strength surprised me....After the hell I put them through, I'm able to trust that they will keep my holster secure.

Now on to the "spacers". Between the kydex and leather, there are various size spacers to install. The purpose of this is so you can adjust the tension of the holster on your weapon. Sounds complicated? Its really not. The spacers are simply heavy duty hydraulic hose cut down to size - the screws go through the center of the hose. Simple, yet very effective idea.

Assembly of the holster was pretty easy. It took me all of 5 minutes to put it together and pick out spacers that I was comfortable with. I played around with the 3 different height settings as well...and wound up using the one in the middle.

The hardest part about assembly was the "t-clips". They took quite some force to drive in...but once they were pushed all the way into the leather, they are in there for good pretty much.

As far as weapon retention goes, its good for a concealment holster. I'm able to run, jump, roll around, etc without fear of my weapon falling out. If someone were to try and disarm me, its a little easier to pull out then I'm comfortable with, but with a concealment holster this isn't really a concern.

As far as how the holster rides....its great. I'm able to perfectly position it for both comfort and an easy draw. I'm by no means a big guy (I'm 6ft2in and 140lbs so I'm as skinny as a rail)....concealment has always been a challenge for me....especially with larger frame weapons like the Model 39. However, with this holster I'm able to conceal without a problem....even with my shirt tucked in.

Overall, I'm very happy with this holster so far. Its still a tad bit stiff because the leather isn't broken in all the way yet....but that is to be expected with a brand new holster. I'm not too worried about how this holster will hold up over a long period of time because it comes with a 50 year warranty. If anything were to happen, then I would get replacement parts at no charge.

Other cool little tid bits.....You can get different colors. Leather is offered in both tan and black. Kydex is available in everything from black, to pink, to desert digital camo.

Also offered is a gun belt kit, something I might look into later on. I don't have or use a gun belt (primarily because of cost), but after seeing the quality of this holster, I might just take the dive and order a gun belt kit as well.

I put one together from a kit about 6 weeks ago for a Sig Sauer and I love it.

July 24th, 2012, 11:21 PM

Brad426

I also got one not too long ago for a Sig. Kinda stiff and didn't start off as the most comfortable holster I've owned, but for the price it is pretty good.

July 24th, 2012, 11:23 PM

broknindarkagain

I put mine together yesterday. It was stiff as hell, but today its a lot more comfortable.

July 24th, 2012, 11:27 PM

Brad426

Quote:

Originally Posted by broknindarkagain

I put mine together yesterday. It was stiff as hell, but today its a lot more comfortable.

It took me wearing it all day (and sweating on it... sorry for the mental image) for three days before it felt good putting it on. I would get another one for the price before buying another CB or Theiss, personally.

July 25th, 2012, 04:05 PM

Civil_Response

Ordered mine on the 11th, still waiting... should be worth it, I'm just not a patient person - especially when I hear of others getting them in 8 days.

July 26th, 2012, 06:49 PM

Freedomofchoice

I make almost all my holsters in both all leather and hybrid. Recently, we moved to a new house and my tools are not set up so I needed a holster for a new firearm, and decided to get a kit from Old Faithful. The quality of the materials and the ease with which it all went together was second to none. Holes were pre-drilled and lined up perfectly. I don't think I've ever made a hybrid with as nicely finished leather backing, and I like the ability to adjust how tightly the gun is held in place rather than just being riveted.

High quality at a fair price and I like the options provided with the different kits.

July 26th, 2012, 11:00 PM

broknindarkagain

2 Attachment(s)

Figured I would update things a little bit now that its been a couple of days.

Day 1 with the holster, it was REALLY stiff....but thats too be expected. Its pretty much broken in now. I carry at work...and I work outside....and its 110 degrees outside....so I'm sure my sweat has helped the break in haha.

I've had to make a few minor adjustments to the tension as its broken in, but other then that I'm pretty happy.

Here are a few pictures of it. Keep in mind I'm 6ft2in and weigh all of 140lbs (I'm not a big guy at all), so concealing a larger weapon like a M39 can be difficult. This holster does great. No printing at all.

Note : I normally use Photobucket so full size images show but its not working at the moment. Click on teh image to make it bigger